Acetazolamide’s primary FDA-approved indication is the treatment of glaucoma, specifically to lower intraocular pressure. This is particularly useful in open-angle glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.
Beyond glaucoma, acetazolamide effectively manages altitude sickness. Its ability to reduce cerebral edema makes it a valuable prophylactic and treatment option.
Acetazolamide also finds application in epilepsy, offering control of certain seizure types. It’s often used as an adjunctive therapy in the management of complex partial seizures.
Furthermore, acetazolamide aids in reducing symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. By decreasing cerebrospinal fluid production, it alleviates pressure-related headaches and visual disturbances.
Finally, it helps manage metabolic alkalosis, a condition characterized by an excess of bicarbonate in the blood. This application, however, is less common than its use in the previously mentioned conditions.
